Hello everyone I was wondering first, what is the affect of being able to control watts. I saw this possible with a mod I was looking at online. I have an Apollo Vtube and a smoktek VV Gripper, I am trying to decide if I should look into getting a pro vari, or a zmax? Any thoughts on pros and cons of any model that will check resistance, and maybe watts.
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You don't really need it. Watts = Voltage squared divided by the resistence or P = V2/R
Watts is really just a way to show how much power is going to your coil. It's really just a convenience thing, and is up to you. It would be nice to be able to get the same watts when you switch between atomizers that have different resistances, and to be able to check the resistance of stuff right on your mod. But you could very easily do it yourself with a cheap multimeter. Even easier, just start at a low voltage on your new attys, and turn it up til it feels right for you. The resistance of your coil, and the exact watts you are running aren't that important imo.
Like i said, it's up to you, i don't think either of those features warrant getting a new mod.
Watts is really just a way to show how much power is going to your coil. It's really just a convenience thing, and is up to you. It would be nice to be able to get the same watts when you switch between atomizers that have different resistances, and to be able to check the resistance of stuff right on your mod. But you could very easily do it yourself with a cheap multimeter. Even easier, just start at a low voltage on your new attys, and turn it up til it feels right for you. The resistance of your coil, and the exact watts you are running aren't that important imo.
Like i said, it's up to you, i don't think either of those features warrant getting a new mod.
If you're looking for a cheap mod, the Smok Gripper is VV, and checks carto resistances, same with the Young June version Lavatube-look-alikes. iVape has the Young June version for very cheap.
For a more expensive mod if you're really looking to spend the money, I would personally choose a Provari, ONLY because of the factor of the Z-max being so new. I have heard of problem after problem with many people that own the V-Max(not saying all, many people's are flawless and have been for some time) and I would be afraid of any issues. This is why I chose the Provari over the Z-max, although I may still get a Z-max down the road after it's reliability is tested.
Edit: Just to be clear, I have never used a Z or a V max, and my Provari just shipped today so i'm yet to use them, just going by the reports. The Provari is built like a tank, and the Z-max costing nearly as much, I would pass on it for now.
For a more expensive mod if you're really looking to spend the money, I would personally choose a Provari, ONLY because of the factor of the Z-max being so new. I have heard of problem after problem with many people that own the V-Max(not saying all, many people's are flawless and have been for some time) and I would be afraid of any issues. This is why I chose the Provari over the Z-max, although I may still get a Z-max down the road after it's reliability is tested.
Edit: Just to be clear, I have never used a Z or a V max, and my Provari just shipped today so i'm yet to use them, just going by the reports. The Provari is built like a tank, and the Z-max costing nearly as much, I would pass on it for now.
You already have two really cool devices that can measure the resistance of your atty/carto but if your curious about variable wattage, you have a few options. The idea behind VW is that you can set your wattage (temperature) setting to your perfect vape. From there, your PV will adjust the voltage in accordance with whatever atty or carto (+/- Ohm's) that you may be currently using. The Darwin has been the quintessential device that all other VW PV's have been measured. Unfortunately, they are really expensive and for the most part, unobtainable. Then we have the next best thing....The Kick module (also from Evolv) which can turn just about any 18650 tube mod (metal) into and VW vaping beast with a 3-10 watt limitation. Along comes the ZMax with every bell and whistle imaginable at a fraction of the cost of a Provari. It may not live up to the reputation of the ProVari but will provide a most satisfying variable wattage vape.
I have several nice mods including a ProVari and a Precise 18500 and I end up using my Vision eGo Spinner most of the time! I also have 10 other mods sitting on my shelf collecting dust! Mods that I thought HAD to have at the time. I don't regret buying any of them! I've been considering buying the ZMax ever since they hit the shelves but have decided to hold off for a bit. Instead, I ordered a Kick module and I'm going to try it out in an existing mod in my collection. Matter of fact, it arrived today and I haven't even been able to test it out yet. I'm still waiting for the IMR batteries to show up. So far, I have invested about $60 to delve into the world of variable wattage. I hope it lives up to the standard that everyone claims.
The ProVari is awesome. If you can afford to blow a couple of hundred dollars, I would definitely go for it. The ZMax would surely do the job and then some! It may not be as accurate as the ProVari or built as well but would be a sweet vape. The connector on the ZMax is also quite versatile and will accept a plethora of cool tanks and eGo tank style cartomizers. For all the bad press that the ZMax is getting in some reviews, there are many out there that love theirs and have no regrets! You could also go with a Kick but would still end up spending a fair amount of $$$ if you don't already have a mod that would accept one. It doesn't have all of the features of the Darwin but works essentially the same. If I missed something, there are others that can elaborate further.
Good luck and keep on vaping!
I have several nice mods including a ProVari and a Precise 18500 and I end up using my Vision eGo Spinner most of the time! I also have 10 other mods sitting on my shelf collecting dust! Mods that I thought HAD to have at the time. I don't regret buying any of them! I've been considering buying the ZMax ever since they hit the shelves but have decided to hold off for a bit. Instead, I ordered a Kick module and I'm going to try it out in an existing mod in my collection. Matter of fact, it arrived today and I haven't even been able to test it out yet. I'm still waiting for the IMR batteries to show up. So far, I have invested about $60 to delve into the world of variable wattage. I hope it lives up to the standard that everyone claims.
The ProVari is awesome. If you can afford to blow a couple of hundred dollars, I would definitely go for it. The ZMax would surely do the job and then some! It may not be as accurate as the ProVari or built as well but would be a sweet vape. The connector on the ZMax is also quite versatile and will accept a plethora of cool tanks and eGo tank style cartomizers. For all the bad press that the ZMax is getting in some reviews, there are many out there that love theirs and have no regrets! You could also go with a Kick but would still end up spending a fair amount of $$$ if you don't already have a mod that would accept one. It doesn't have all of the features of the Darwin but works essentially the same. If I missed something, there are others that can elaborate further.
Good luck and keep on vaping!
I would love it if the Provari made their next version VW. Yes, I am quite capable of checking the resistance of my atty and calculating the voltage in my head, but if I have a device that is already capable of checking the resistance and setting the voltage, it seems kind of a no-brainer as a next step that it offers to do that for me.
I'm a noob. I started with a few Twists. They're ok. Just ok. I'm figuring I'll wait until they're starting to go and see what the state of the tech is then. I'm quite willing to drop Darwin money on a great device, but I'm glad I'm not feeling in a rush. I'm really hoping the next round of mods out there will have some solid VW options.
Bonus points if it's more attractive. Not a fan of the Darwin form factor because I like clearos. While I appreciate the solidity of the Provari, it is a bit of a beast. One of the things I love about my matte black Twists is the sleek look of them. (1000mah is fine for me.) They're slender, light, with a minimum of clutter. Sadly, most of the mods I see look like something I could beat someone into submission with.
I'm a noob. I started with a few Twists. They're ok. Just ok. I'm figuring I'll wait until they're starting to go and see what the state of the tech is then. I'm quite willing to drop Darwin money on a great device, but I'm glad I'm not feeling in a rush. I'm really hoping the next round of mods out there will have some solid VW options.
Bonus points if it's more attractive. Not a fan of the Darwin form factor because I like clearos. While I appreciate the solidity of the Provari, it is a bit of a beast. One of the things I love about my matte black Twists is the sleek look of them. (1000mah is fine for me.) They're slender, light, with a minimum of clutter. Sadly, most of the mods I see look like something I could beat someone into submission with.
I'm going to be a bit naughty --- do you want to be a beta tester or do you want the best VV on the market----going on 2 years?
I resisted getting a Provari. Too expensive, too much hype, too popular, too big -- whatever. I've had mine for over a year. The only thing that bothered me at first was the extra weight. But, even my first e-cig was heavy at the time. I adjusted quickly. I've found it to be a very reliable and great device.
I'm sure we'll be seeing more Vari Watts devices in the coming months and I'm hoping one will show up that has all the features I want in an APV....if I can hold out that long.
Vari-watts is my favorite. I may be overly careful, but I don't want a stacked battery mod....especially one from China.
I resisted getting a Provari. Too expensive, too much hype, too popular, too big -- whatever. I've had mine for over a year. The only thing that bothered me at first was the extra weight. But, even my first e-cig was heavy at the time. I adjusted quickly. I've found it to be a very reliable and great device.
I'm sure we'll be seeing more Vari Watts devices in the coming months and I'm hoping one will show up that has all the features I want in an APV....if I can hold out that long.
Vari-watts is my favorite. I may be overly careful, but I don't want a stacked battery mod....especially one from China.Provari. I've owned a zmax, a vmax and now have a provari. It's by far my favorite and the best quality vape I've had yet. Plus the voltage is calibrated perfectly unlike the Chinese mods which are always .3-.4 volts off which could cause some problems with burning out LR cartos/attys
Igloo:
Of the VV devices you mentioned my personal thought is Provari beats them all in durability and quality when you get right down to it, although the Provair is a VV device, not a VW device. Some complain about the price. I find the price difference is about the same as the cost of a dinner out with a significant other. You can get the Provari with an extension cap for $180 or less with a discount. The other devices you mentioned run between $100 and $130.
In my opinion the two best variable devices on the market are the Darwin and the Provari; however, each has advantages and disadvantages as most of the reviewers will point out with honesty. If you're in the market for a cheaper variable device, I like using the Kick and now some vendors are coming out with a Mini Kick or Kicklet. Twenty bucks for batteries, forty for the Kick and now you have almost a Darwin experience for $60 versus $245.
One of the big differences between variable devices is how well they work with dual cartomizers. Some of the cheaper variable devices also have problems with some RBAs. My Provari does well with both, RBA's and dual cartos. I also own a Buzz Pro that works with everything I put on it. But it has some drawbacks too: It stacks batteries and you have to use a meter if you're concerned about the settings.
Lots of video and editorial reviews available online. Half the fun is shopping, the rest of the fun is vaping.
CraigW
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I owned a ProVari. It was rock solid performance, good battery efficiency (long life even at high voltage), and rarely ever gave me any grief. The only times it did give me grief were when my atties and cartos decided spontaneously to drop in resistance, which they are occasionally wont to do. The ProVari's mother-holding-child's-hand safety checks and amp limit prompted me to toss my atties when they dropped below 1.2 ohms (as reported by the ProVari, which I guess was accurate). Biggest drawback for me, and the reason I eventually parted with my ProVari, is that it's thick, it's long, it's heavy, and it's like vaping on a Mag Lite. If vaping on a PV you can also use to club someone with is your thing, then the ProVari is definitely a good choice. Assuming the ZMax is as reliable as a ProVari (reputation or lack thereof notwithstanding), it's still bigger than the ProVari; so I don't think I'll be getting one. YMMV though.
Now I switch among my Kicked P+ 18500 and a couple of eGo Twists. I use the P+ when I'm stationery, like when I'm at my desk at work; and my Twists when I'm driving or otherwise running around.
Interesting note about the Kick, vaping with it set to about 8.5 watts tastes and feels like vaping the ProVari set to what calculates to 10.5 - 11 watts (V²/Ω). You read many people gripe about the Kick's watt limit being only 10 watts, but 10 watts on the Kick > 10 watts on another device. It's relative. I think this is because the Kick operates directly against the battery, whereas there's some voltage loss between the guts of a ProVari and its load. Or something. I dunno. I just know vaping a 2 ohm carto at 4.7 volts (11 watts) feels like vaping that same carto on a Kicked device @ 8.5 watts.
Anyway, in most mechanical mods, if you use a Kick, you have to go down a battery size. In my Kicked P+ 18500, I have to use 18350 cells. I only get a couple of hours per battery per charge, so I'm interested in getting a small 18650 mod in which to kick some 18490 batteries -- maybe a Caravela or a Wizard's Apprentice. We'll see what happens.
But there are a few advantages of using the Kick over the variable voltage Twists. For one, there's no need to tweak the voltage if my coils vary their resistance. The Kick offers effortless consistency in my vape. For another thing, since I started building my own coils in my Penelopes, I don't have to measure or meter my resistance wire. I just eyeball it and say, "Close enough," and vape on without having to dial in the voltage.
Biggest negative to the Kick, aside from its stolen real estate forcing a smaller battery size, is its brass contacts. The contacts tarnish and must be polished from time to time. Why didn't Evolv use nickel or stainless?
There you go. There's my $0.02. Good luck in your quest!
Now I switch among my Kicked P+ 18500 and a couple of eGo Twists. I use the P+ when I'm stationery, like when I'm at my desk at work; and my Twists when I'm driving or otherwise running around.
Interesting note about the Kick, vaping with it set to about 8.5 watts tastes and feels like vaping the ProVari set to what calculates to 10.5 - 11 watts (V²/Ω). You read many people gripe about the Kick's watt limit being only 10 watts, but 10 watts on the Kick > 10 watts on another device. It's relative. I think this is because the Kick operates directly against the battery, whereas there's some voltage loss between the guts of a ProVari and its load. Or something. I dunno. I just know vaping a 2 ohm carto at 4.7 volts (11 watts) feels like vaping that same carto on a Kicked device @ 8.5 watts.
Anyway, in most mechanical mods, if you use a Kick, you have to go down a battery size. In my Kicked P+ 18500, I have to use 18350 cells. I only get a couple of hours per battery per charge, so I'm interested in getting a small 18650 mod in which to kick some 18490 batteries -- maybe a Caravela or a Wizard's Apprentice. We'll see what happens.
But there are a few advantages of using the Kick over the variable voltage Twists. For one, there's no need to tweak the voltage if my coils vary their resistance. The Kick offers effortless consistency in my vape. For another thing, since I started building my own coils in my Penelopes, I don't have to measure or meter my resistance wire. I just eyeball it and say, "Close enough," and vape on without having to dial in the voltage.
Biggest negative to the Kick, aside from its stolen real estate forcing a smaller battery size, is its brass contacts. The contacts tarnish and must be polished from time to time. Why didn't Evolv use nickel or stainless?
There you go. There's my $0.02. Good luck in your quest!
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